The Fifth Column (private feed for [email protected]) Socialists Go to Washington, Trump Goes to Hell (w/ Michael Powell) #583
Nov 11, 2026
Michael Powell, an Atlantic journalist covering politics and urban affairs, joins for a sharp tour through antisemitism, Philadelphia protests, and the DSA’s fractured socialist factions. They examine Abdul El-Sayed’s political rebranding, vague campaign rhetoric, Trump’s immigration maneuvering and refusal to forgive enemies, alleged executive lawlessness, extremist associations, prediction markets, and why money cannot save weak candidates.
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Socialists Must Trade Slogans For Governing Results
- To govern nationally, DSA politicians must replace slogans with concrete policies on affordability, corruption, and constituent services.
- Repeating “genocide” rhetoric will not feed constituents or demonstrate legislative competence.
Power Forces Radical Parties To Moderate
- Successful radical parties often moderate after gaining power, as Europe’s far-right parties did when electoral growth made sectarianism costly.
- The DSA faces pressure to abandon internal factional warfare and build a broader national coalition.
Trump Floats Amnesty During A Surprising Interview
- Donald Trump told Ross Douthat that deportation policy may have gone too far and suggested legal status for some undocumented workers.
- The hosts doubted the remarks would change policy, noting Trump frequently says whatever suits the moment.
